Shock at copter tragedy

Majid Sultan, of Princess Avenue, Arleston, Telford, was leaving Stoke Heath when he said that he heard a bang before the helicopters crashed to the ground.

One person died, another was seriously injured and two more people were also left injured in yesterday's horrific accident.

Residents were left in shock following the tragedy at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, just before 3pm which involved Squirrel helicopters from RAF Shawbury.

Mr Sultan said when he looked over the helicopters appeared close to the ground and it was almost as though one was landing on top of the other.

He said: "I saw two helicopters on top of each other, then I heard a bang.

"I drove down to where they came down and I realised what had happened.

"One was on its side and the other was upside down.

"There were two people in the one that was on its side, and they got out themselves, one man had a limp and the other looked like he was in shock.

"I went over to the other helicopter and could see one man, but not the other.

"The helicopter that was upside down was completely crushed.

"It was like they both landed on each other."

He said the accident could have been much worse as it was so close to the road.

The crash happened at the site opposite Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution and people in nearby Dutton Close said they were shocked by what had happened.

Resident Ann Flint said: "I haven't heard the helicopters since before Christmas and they are very much part of this area.

"The accident is sad news for the base and those involved."

Staff at potato company Greenvale AP, near the MoD fields and airstrip, said staff had stayed away to let the emergency services get on with their work.

by Oliver Cartwright